A Finzi Fest

7:15pm Pre-concert talk; Gerald Finzi: Martin Bussey, Chairman, Finzi Friends

Members of The Choir of St Marylebone Parish Church

Gavin Roberts (piano, conductor)

Clare Hoskins (oboe)

Jamie Rogers (organ)

Gerald Finzi (1901-56) was born on Hamilton terrace in St John’s Wood, and taught at the neighbouring Royal Academy of Music from 1930-33. This concert, in association with The Finzi Friends, showcases the extraordinarily poignant musical voice of this unique composer. Finzi’s music continues to attract interest and attention to this day, by the sheer quality and integrity of his compositions. When it comes to poetry, Finzi’s many settings of Thomas Hardy, Shakespeare, are unrivalled in their craftsmanship and response to words. Tragically, he died in 1956 at the age of fifty-five. This concert combines choral and instrumental music alongside the some of Finzi’s well-known and lesser-known solo songs.

We hope you will enjoy exploring Finzi’s music, and will also consider joining the Finzi Friends